With great sadness, we share that Savannah Goodman, T '18, passed away this morning, December 19th, after complications from a bone marrow transplant. She was diagnosed with an immune deficiency disorder at Duke Hospital at age 6 and was fulfilling her lifelong dream of studying Pre-Med at Duke so that she could become a pediatric immunologist to treat children much like herself. Savannah was active with Jewish Life at Duke, the Duke Student Wellness Center, was a tour guide for Duke Admissions, and loved Duke Basketball.

The election results and the end of the most divisive campaign season in recent history has had an impact on our campus. Reactions range from hurt and anger to confusion about why some are affected so negatively. Counseling and Psychological Services advocates for a campus climate that is supportive of all studentsâ mental health and this electionâs focus on traditionally marginalized groups has exacerbated their lived experiences of racism, sexism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and other forms of oppression. Any form of oppression negatively impacts mental health and deters academic success.

Dean Sue Wasiolek, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and

Dear Duke Parents,

Although most of you aren’t as old as I am, my hope is that you might remember or be familiar with John Denver, a songwriter and performer who tragically died in a plane crash in 1997. I used to listen to John Denver’s songs all the time and I recently came across a video of him reciting a poem entitled, “Ambulance Down in the Valley.” My attention went to one particular verse:

Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old,
For the voice of true wisdom is calling.
To rescue the fallen is good, but ’tis best
To prevent other people from falling….

Better put a strong fence ’round the top of the cliff
Than an ambulance down in the valley.

It is a pleasure to meet you! I am the new director for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), a unit on campus that supports your student on a path toward academic success. I am excited to be here given the commitment Duke has made to student wellness. Many institutions across the country are working to address mental health issues based on the fact that mental health is the number one factor in lowering retention and is a better predictor of college grade point average than ACT or SAT scores. The 97% four-year retention rate to graduation at Duke demonstrates that retention is not a significant issue on this campus; highlighting that Duke’s focus is supporting mental health services because student wellness is valued.

Are you interested in an opportunity to assist students going through the undergraduate disciplinary process? Apply to become a Disciplinary Advisor today!

Disciplinary Advisors work with students who are under investigation for a possible violation of university policy, and they can also support students who are bringing forward a report of misconduct. They offer information about how the disciplinary process works, advice on how to approach each stage of the process, and can support students in attendance at an Undergraduate Conduct Board hearing.

The Office of Student Conduct staff welcomes you (back) to Duke! We know your time is valuable, so with that in mind, here are 10 things to keep in mind this year. For the overwhelming majority of you, this list will never apply directly to you, so we especially THANK YOU for reading through these items— and perhaps you can be a persuasive voice to your peers in steering them away from some of the negative behaviors described below, should you see them heading down a potentially perilous path.

The 2016-17 edition of The Duke Community Standard: A Guide for Undergraduateshas been released. This handbook outlines expectations for undergraduate student conduct (and for all students as it relates to Sexual Misconduct) and the procedures for investigating and adjudicating alleged violations of them. All students who live on campus should have received a copy when they moved in. Students who live off campus may request a copy by emailing conduct@duke.edu or stopping by the 2nd floor of Crowell Hall on East Campus between 8 AM and 5 PM Monday - Friday.

Working in higher education with the amazing students at Duke is an absolute pleasure. From the energy, creativity, and predictable rhythms of the academic school year, to the unexpected moments and achievements that keep everyone on their toes, there is nothing remotely like life on a university campus.

Midterms are alive and well. As students, we’ve all realized that the hard way, unfortunately. In an act of solidarity, I’m gonna share some wisdom from Jean Hanson and Jo Supernaw at the Wellness center. With these myths busted you’ll, in my opinion, be able to kick midterm’s a** better. (Hint: It involves more sleep.)

Myth #1: The effects of my all-nighter only impacts me.

You may be the only one who gets to sport the Dukie-meets-phantom-menace look, but your worsened mood? Lack of focus? Degree of inefficiency? You can’t be as productive a teammate, as present a friend, nor as pleasant an acquaintance.

All-nighters don’t make you cool or more impressive. They make you tired.